Beating Hearts (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Beating Hearts” (also known by its original French title L’amour ouf) is a 2024 French gangster melodrama directed by Gilles Lellouche. The film is a sweeping romance that intertwines themes of young love, crime, and redemption. With star performances by François Civil and Adèle Exarchopoulos, this film captures the highs of youthful passion and the lows of life’s harsh realities, all underpinned by an ever-present sense of loss and longing. While it premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the movie is already creating buzz among cinephiles, especially those who appreciate intense romantic dramas with a gritty edge.
In this review, we’ll dive into the heart of Beating Hearts, explore its strengths and weaknesses, and discuss the available (and upcoming) streaming platforms where you can watch the movie online.
Plot Summary: A Tragic Love Tale with a Dark Twist
Set in the gritty backdrop of a French industrial town, Beating Hearts follows the star-crossed love story of Clotaire (played by François Civil) and Jackie (Adèle Exarchopoulos). Raised in a troubled neighborhood, Clotaire is a rebellious teenager with a thirst for living on the edge. He meets Jackie, a sharp-witted and fearless schoolmate, and the two quickly fall in love. Their romance is intense and passionate, but as is often the case with first loves, complications arise.
Clotaire’s life takes a dark turn when gang violence entangles him in a crime he didn’t commit. Charged and imprisoned for murder, Clotaire is forced to leave Jackie behind. Over the years, the two lead vastly different lives, but fate brings them back together, raising the ultimate question: will love triumph over Clotaire’s thirst for revenge, or will their reunion only open old wounds?
Direction and Cinematic Style
Gilles Lellouche brings a unique directorial style to Beating Hearts, blending elements of classic gangster films with the emotional intensity of a love story. His previous directorial ventures, while more light-hearted, did not prepare audiences for the deeply stylized and somewhat surreal approach he brings to this film. His collaboration with writers Audrey Diwan and Neville Thompson has resulted in a narrative that explores love’s transformative power, while also delving into the darker realms of crime and personal ruin.
The film stands out for its visually stunning sequences, which include musical choreography reminiscent of classic Old Hollywood films. Lellouche’s choice of widescreen cinematography and “daydreamy” reality breaks helps to elevate the emotional weight of Clotaire and Jackie’s doomed romance. This visual style underscores the dream-like intensity of young love, while the harsh realities of crime and gang life provide a stark contrast.
The Performances: A Tale of Two Star-Crossed Lovers
François Civil and Adèle Exarchopoulos shine as Clotaire and Jackie, respectively. Civil’s portrayal of Clotaire is filled with a sense of brooding intensity, capturing both his love-stricken innocence and his darker, more vengeful side as an adult. Adèle Exarchopoulos, on the other hand, brings a captivating vulnerability to Jackie, making her both fierce and fragile as she navigates the fallout of their once-perfect love.
The chemistry between Civil and Exarchopoulos is palpable, particularly in the film’s early stages when the characters are young and full of hope. However, as their lives spiral in opposite directions, the actors maintain the emotional depth necessary to keep audiences invested, even when the plot falters.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Beating Hearts
Strengths:
- Visual Aesthetic: The film’s stunning cinematography and bold visual choices make it a treat for the eyes. The use of color and movement, especially in the romantic scenes, adds a layer of dreamlike beauty.
- Performances: François Civil and Adèle Exarchopoulos deliver captivating performances, making their characters’ love feel authentic and relatable.
- Ambitious Storytelling: Lellouche aims high with a story that spans decades and emotions, pulling on the heartstrings while exploring darker themes of betrayal and revenge.
Weaknesses:
- Length: At nearly three hours, the film feels stretched, particularly in the second half when the focus shifts more toward Clotaire’s criminal life. The pacing slows considerably, losing some of the early momentum.
- Disjointed Narrative: The film sometimes struggles to balance its dual focus on romance and crime. At times, it feels like two different movies, with the shifts in tone being jarring.
Where to Watch Beating Hearts Online
As of now, Beating Hearts (2024) has not yet been released on any streaming platforms. However, based on current industry trends and distribution patterns for films with similar profiles, it’s likely that Beating Hearts will become available on several major platforms in the near future. Here’s a breakdown of where you can expect to watch it:
- Streaming Services (Subscription-Based):
- Netflix: With Netflix’s growing catalog of international films, this platform might acquire streaming rights, especially in America and France.
- Amazon Prime Video: Another potential platform for Beating Hearts, especially given its history of acquiring rights to indie films.
- Rental/Purchase Options:
- Amazon Prime Video: Even if Beating Hearts doesn’t make it to Prime’s streaming catalog, expect it to be available for rental or purchase here.
- Apple TV/iTunes: Another reliable platform for renting or purchasing new releases.
- Google Play Movies & TV: This platform often hosts new releases for rent or purchase shortly after their theatrical run.
For the latest updates on streaming availability, be sure to check JustWatch, which tracks where movies are available across all major platforms.
Conclusion: Will Love Conquer All?
Beating Hearts is an ambitious film that may not hit every emotional beat perfectly but leaves a lasting impression with its stellar performances and bold visual choices. Fans of romantic melodramas and crime dramas will find much to appreciate, even if the film’s pacing stumbles in places. Keep an eye on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video to catch this sweeping romance once it becomes available.
Are you excited to watch Beating Hearts online? Keep checking platforms like JustWatch for updates on streaming availability. Don’t miss out on this intense love story—stay tuned for its digital release!
